The adoption process can take anywhere from three to five years. The length of time depends on the age of the child and the needs of the parents. There are many factors that play into the decision to adopt, such as how long you've been together as a couple, your financial situation, and the number of children you already have.
There are two types of adoption agencies: domestic and international. Domestic adoption refers to the adoption of children living in the same country as the adoptive parents. For example, if you live in the United States and want to adopt a child who lives in the U.S., you would use an adoption agency based in the U.S. An international adoption refers to the adoption of children who live overseas. For example, if you live in the U.S. and want to adopt a child who lives in the Philippines, you would use an adoption agency based in the Philippines.
Domestic adoption usually takes less time than international adoption. If you are adopting a young child, the adoption process will take longer. For older children, the adoption process can take a few months to a few years.
Adoptions are broken down into four phases: preparation, application, assessment and placement.
Preparation
This is the time where you decide whether you want to adopt a baby or older child. It is recommended to do the preparation phase before your first pregnancy. This will help you be prepared for the emotional and physical changes that come along with pregnancy. You can also learn about the adoption process.
Application
Once you have decided that you want to adopt a child, you can apply for a domestic or international adoption. There are several ways to apply for an adoption. Some families choose to go through the internet. The International Adoption Information Center (IAIC) has a web portal where you can search and find a domestic or international adoption agency that matches your needs. The International Adoption Resource Exchange (IARE) also has a web portal to search for domestic and international adoption agencies.
The adoption agency will review your application to see if it fits your family's needs. You will then be interviewed by a case worker who will ask questions to determine if you are a good fit for the child.
Assessment
When the agency is sure that you are a good fit for the child, they will conduct an assessment. The assessment is done to determine the child's needs. This is also when the case worker will discuss the services the agency offers to help you and the child adjust to life together.
Placement
After the assessment, the case worker will tell you the placement of the child and discuss the financial assistance available to the family. It is important to note that the agency will only place the child in a home that has room for the child and can afford to care for them.
In some cases, the agency will help the family connect with a child they have not yet placed. If the family does not want to wait, they can apply directly to the agency to adopt a child. This will mean that they will be contacted by the agency at a later date.